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The Mummy

The Dark Universe franchise could be in danger of collapsing into a pile of dust if the other films are anything like The Mummy. This disappointing film appears on the surface to be an action-packed horror, but when examined closer, it has a raft of plot holes and does absolutely nothing for feminism, which is made all the more painfully obvious when compared to Wonder Woman's recent success. Nick Morton (Tom Cruise) is an army sergeant who loots antiques from Iraq war zones with his friend Chris Vail (Jake Johnson). They are looking for their latest treasure using a map stolen from archaeologist Jenny Halsey (Annabelle Wallis) when they uncover an Egyptian sarcophagus with the body of the villainous Princess Ahmanet (Sofia Boutella), whose wrath they accidentally unleash.

The Mummy herself is terrifying, not because she is a strong badass, but because she is terrifyingly one-dimensional. Boutella, who was great in The Kingsman: The Secret Service, could have done so much more with the character if she had been given the opportunity. Meanwhile, Jenny is a boring damsel in distress who is constantly following Nick around like a lost puppy. Again, Wallis deserved better. Speaking of Cruise, he looks completely out of place. Not only is he much older than the women, he is too old to play such a spirited and charming rogue. Russell Crowe is a rare highlight playing Dr Jekyll, who we all know has a Mr Hyde side he is trying to keep under wraps. In some ways, with his split personality he has the potential to be a more compelling villain or anti-hero.

The Mummy is quite scary in parts and there is the level of suspenseful action we have come to expect from a Cruise film, including the memorable zero gravity scene. However, the laughs peppered throughout felt jarring rather than offering relief from the thrills. The film also feels longer than it is and I found myself looking at my watch too often during the third act. The Mummy may be a blockbuster but it is not worth your money at the cinema.

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